Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Juneau

I've lived in Juneau, Alaska for over 2 1/2 years now. For most of this time I have constantly had one foot out the door, always certain that my time here would be coming to an end sooner rather than later. It is a very tough place to live. The weather is often horrible and it's extremely isolated (only access is by air and water). I still can't really imagine a scenario in which Jill and I stay here for too long, but over the past several months my foot that is rooted here in Juneau has become much more deeply rooted. When the weather here is nice it's the most beautiful place on Earth and the isolation becomes less of an issue once you really start to find your place in the place that you are isolated to. I still feel myself often thinking of where to go next, but more and more I find myself also thinking about all the reasons that I'd love to stay here in Juneau.

Next month Jill and I are leaving the state for at least a couple months. We'll be hanging out in the lower 48 (mostly Utah), running, biking, hanging out with old friends, and enjoying some sun. Sometime in July we'll likely be making our way back to Alaska, and more and more it seems like we'll be coming back to Juneau, at least for some period of time. 6 months ago I would have been really frustrated at the thought of still being "stuck" in Juneau at the end of 2009, but now the thought of being here at the end of this year seems more comforting than bothersome. Funny how that can happen. I guess only time will tell what actually does happen.

8 comments:

It is wonderful that you love the place you are in, and at. The grass is not greener on the other side:) I just wonder what do you do guys for work that allows you to spend time away? Because I wish I could do it...though it'll never happen with a kid.

The grass IS greener on the other side, literally. But that's only because just about anywhere else is sunnier, except maybe Ketchikan. Juneau is such a unique place to live and can have this incredibly strong pull to keep you here and also a strong push that makes you want to leave. Deb and I have ridden this boat for 12 years now. On those few sunny days though there is nowhere else I'd rather be. Hope you and Jill come back to stay a while longer.